Feb 27 Five in Five with Nyrene 'Neutron Bomb' Crowley

Vicious low kicks and a brutal yet surgical style is just one way of describing Nyrene 'Neutron Bomb' Crowley's approach to fighting.

With a bachelors degree and voice as smooth as silk, Nyrene brushes stereotypes aside and personifies the idea of never judging a book by its cover.

From the hustle and bustle of Auckland city, New Zealand born and bred Nyrene "Neutron Bomb' Crowley now calls Bali AKA 'The Island of the Gods' home. Just under 2 years ago Nyrene made a the courageous leap from the corporate rat race to full fledged full time fighter. With only one thing in mind and that being a world title, day by day she edges closer to that dream.

Join New Zealand fighter as we catch up with Nyrene 'Nuetron Bomb' up close and personal for an exclusive 5 in 5!

How good is this Bali Life !?

This is where I need to be for what I want to achieve over the next few years. I have said it before, but I am so lucky to be surrounded by such a high level of proven knowledge and experience here in Bali. Not only does the lifestyle compliment my training, I am gifted with many top training partners from promotions all around the world. It’s an affordable life for me, and has supported me to achieve so much more than I would otherwise have been exposed to.

Top 3 things to do if we ever come to Bali ???…other than Bali MMA ?

1. Set aside a couple days to check out the surrounding islands off the coast of Bali. Islands like the Gilli Islands, Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida that are super beautiful and really worth the trip.

2. Bali is infamously nicknamed the “Island of the Gods”. For that reason I would recommend a day trip to a place like Ubud to visit the amazing temples that Bali has to offer. In particular, the Pura Tirta Empul Hindu Temple in Ubud would be a cool spot to experience while passing other top sights like the Tegallang Rice Terrace, Waterfalls, and the Bali Swing.

3. Definitely check out the south of Bali (otherwise referred to as ‘The Bukit’) for the top surf beaches, the best sunsets in the world and some of the top cliff top venues for parties and instagram-worthy content.

Lately we have seen more and more UFC Fighters join One Championship - what does this do to the level of your competition and overall growth of the organisation?

Of course this only means fantastic things for the level of my competition in the female Atomweight division. ONE Championship is attracting athletes like ‘bees to a honeypot’ across all level of martial arts, and I am at the very cusp of fighting some of the very best in the world. I want to be the first Kiwi female signed to ONE Championship as it continues to grow, and really make a statement in the fastest growing global fight promotion.

Give us the low down on the switch from Kickboxing to MMA- what do you love / loathe about the difference.

Switching to MMA was the only way I could realistically continue fighting, to chase the full-time dream of obtaining a World Title. It seemed to actually suit my body type better, and I genuinely really loved developing my arsenal across other forms of martial arts. There are many things that differentiate between MMA and Kickboxing, and I guess I wish there just wasn’t so much money in creating such ridiculous rigged rivalries. Unfortunately, ‘Bad Blood, Good Business’ is a real thing, and although I may not agree with it; it is a part of the business that I have to be aware of moving forward.

Also signed to One Warrior Fight series - describe this journey and who’s got the strap that you want to take ?

I am now half way through my current fight contract with ONE Warrior Fight Series, with a potential to be signed to ONE Championship this year. The journey has been a great experience so far, I would just like to be more active this year which I am confident I will. The top player in my division was Angela Lee but since she has moved up a division, I now have to re focus my sights on the other top fighters like Mei Yamaguchi, Istela Nunes and Pricilla Hertati to beat on my way to the title.

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